Pepsi joins ExxonMobil and Petra for U-14 football

By Avenash Ramzan

Demerara Distillers Limited through its world renowned Pepsi brand has partnered with the Petra Organisation and ExxonMobil for the upcoming Secondary Schools Under-14 Boys and Girls Football championship.

The tournament, set to kick off this weekend with several matches at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, caters for schools in Georgetown and beyond. A total of 24 teams will take the field, battling to become inaugural champions of the male and female categories.

At a simple presentation ceremony on Thursday, Demerara Distillers Limited’s Marketing Representative Larry Wills presented the company’s sponsorship to Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca.

Mendonca said the Petra Organisation is happy to have such tangible support from corporate Guyana in its quest to promote and grow youth football in the country.

He said while the boys will kick off the action this weekend, the girls will simultaneously be involved in technical training for the first two weekend under the guidance of Guyana Football Federation officials.

There will be an official march pass at 10:00h on Saturday after which the schools will begin battle for Under-14 football supremacy. Mendonca pointed out that the aim of the tournament is to bridge the gap between the Under-11 and Under-18 age groups.

Marketing Representative Larry Wills expressed Demerara Distillers Limited’s profound interest in the development of the country’s youths through the ‘Beautiful Game.’

“What is most interesting is that this tournament encompasses the female aspect of football in Guyana, and this is something we’ve always been interested in. We’re really, really happy and appreciative of the fact that Petra came to us and ask whether we would like to partner for this tournament,” Wills said.

He added, “We know that the development of football in Guyana is really based on the development of youths; so with us coming onboard we’re happy and we know the youths look forward to this and they will be able to exhibit some of their talents.”

The participating secondary schools are Annandale, Marian Academy, Christ Church, Chase Academy, Dolphin, East Ruimveldt, Lodge, Diamond, St George’s, Friendship, Kingston, Vergenoegen, Queenstown, School of the Nations, Uitvlugt, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Tutorial, Bishops High, Charlestown, Ann’s Grove, Buxton Youth Developers, Tucville and New Campbellville.